My eyes slowly fluttered open. Things went from fuzzy and blurry to
clear, and bright. Talk about harsh reality, your average, 'Wake up and
smell the Roses' deal.
For the first time, I noticed the odd grumbling noises my stomach was making. I hadn't eaten since…well, I can't remember really, so that in it self ought to tell you something.
How did I get into this awful position? It's not really that long of a story. Basically, it goes like this: I'm a vagabond.
I guess you could call me a wanderer. After lots of foul words, dirty looks, and just plain rejection from several other towns, I hopped aboard a ferry to this particular town, Flowerbud Village. I was without any money, meaning I had sneaked onto the boat in the first place, making me prone to even more trouble than I already was in.
After stumbling from the dock on the beach, I found myself at a very nice and well kept yet old ranch. Which is precisely where I am now, slumped over on the grass, like I have a hangover or something.
I heard a noise, like someone was approaching the gate. I tried to sit up and look, but my stomach doubled over, causing me to fall back down again.
Then, a young man, about my age or so, wearing overalls and a blue and orange baseball cap came over to me.
Shamelessly, for after all, I didn't know this man, and never would, begged, "Food…ungh…please…"
I watched his expression carefully. I expected to see a look of disgust, and remorse, and was preparing for the usual "Get the hell outta here, scum!"
But instead, to my surprise, it was filled with deep emotion; pity, concern, and even perhaps fear. Then, shaking his head as if coming out of some daze, he reached into this orange rucksack of his, and pulled out a big hunk of cake.
My mouth watered, and I must confess, I think I drooled a little. Taking the cake from his hands, as politely as I could manage with the ravenous hunger that was overtaking me, I crammed as much as I could into my mouth, chewing quickly, and swallowing parts whole, then going for another bite.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw his expression change another time. Again, I expected to see a look of disgust at my animal like behavior, but his eyes went wide, and he peered out at me through the darkness, like a curious child, just learning about the world.
Once I had finished, I lolled my eyes upwards, and said, "Thank you…"
He just blinked, and nodded his head. "No problem," he said slowly, obviously unsure of himself.
I struggled to stand up, using this old doghouse to support me. When a strong grip grabbed ahold of my arm, and pulled me straight up, I gasped, for some reason, sounding fearful.
It took me a few seconds to realize this man, this stranger who didn't know who the heck I was, or what I was doing here, was helping me, apparently to the best of his abilities.
Once I had a fairly firm footing in the springy grass, I said again, quieter than before, "Thank you…"
He nodded gruffly. Then he oddly enough, introduced himself. "I'm Jack…"
"Name's Cliff," I returned, playing along. It wouldn't matter, because by morning I'd have forgotten, and hopefully, be long gone. May seem like kind of a waste to travel all this way, then suddenly give up. Well, it happens all the time, no big deal that's just the way people- including myself are.
Jack glanced towards his house. "It's getting late,"
I nodded, holding back my smart remark. Even if we aren't going to be friends, or whatever, no need to get pissy with the guy that just practically saved your life.
"I guess I'll be on my way," I said suddenly, and turned around, preparing to dash off.
He himself, turned around, and headed towards his house. Right before opening the door, and walking in, he called over his shoulder, "It's safest, and most comfortable by the Goddess Pond…"
I took what he said in a big jumble, and hung a left after I exited the ranch. I found myself near the other, larger ranch, the path that led to the beach being right there.
I began to walk down it, and when I did reach the end, and place one booted foot on the edge of the grainy sand, a hawk dove down at me.
I slapped my forehead. "Shit!" I cursed outloud. "Sorry, Cain," I apologized to the beast, as it lighted on my shoulder. "I suppose it wouldn't have been good if you were there when I met that farmer dude anyway," I mused to myself. Cain fluttered his wings in response.
For awhile longer, I wandered around. I had forgotten Jack's advice, but wen I did remember it, I made a beeline for Moon Mountain. I had heard of the Pond in other villages.
When I finally did manage to find it, I realized just how tired I was. I plopped down on the grass, and without any further ado, promptly fell asleep.
For the first time, I noticed the odd grumbling noises my stomach was making. I hadn't eaten since…well, I can't remember really, so that in it self ought to tell you something.
How did I get into this awful position? It's not really that long of a story. Basically, it goes like this: I'm a vagabond.
I guess you could call me a wanderer. After lots of foul words, dirty looks, and just plain rejection from several other towns, I hopped aboard a ferry to this particular town, Flowerbud Village. I was without any money, meaning I had sneaked onto the boat in the first place, making me prone to even more trouble than I already was in.
After stumbling from the dock on the beach, I found myself at a very nice and well kept yet old ranch. Which is precisely where I am now, slumped over on the grass, like I have a hangover or something.
I heard a noise, like someone was approaching the gate. I tried to sit up and look, but my stomach doubled over, causing me to fall back down again.
Then, a young man, about my age or so, wearing overalls and a blue and orange baseball cap came over to me.
Shamelessly, for after all, I didn't know this man, and never would, begged, "Food…ungh…please…"
I watched his expression carefully. I expected to see a look of disgust, and remorse, and was preparing for the usual "Get the hell outta here, scum!"
But instead, to my surprise, it was filled with deep emotion; pity, concern, and even perhaps fear. Then, shaking his head as if coming out of some daze, he reached into this orange rucksack of his, and pulled out a big hunk of cake.
My mouth watered, and I must confess, I think I drooled a little. Taking the cake from his hands, as politely as I could manage with the ravenous hunger that was overtaking me, I crammed as much as I could into my mouth, chewing quickly, and swallowing parts whole, then going for another bite.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw his expression change another time. Again, I expected to see a look of disgust at my animal like behavior, but his eyes went wide, and he peered out at me through the darkness, like a curious child, just learning about the world.
Once I had finished, I lolled my eyes upwards, and said, "Thank you…"
He just blinked, and nodded his head. "No problem," he said slowly, obviously unsure of himself.
I struggled to stand up, using this old doghouse to support me. When a strong grip grabbed ahold of my arm, and pulled me straight up, I gasped, for some reason, sounding fearful.
It took me a few seconds to realize this man, this stranger who didn't know who the heck I was, or what I was doing here, was helping me, apparently to the best of his abilities.
Once I had a fairly firm footing in the springy grass, I said again, quieter than before, "Thank you…"
He nodded gruffly. Then he oddly enough, introduced himself. "I'm Jack…"
"Name's Cliff," I returned, playing along. It wouldn't matter, because by morning I'd have forgotten, and hopefully, be long gone. May seem like kind of a waste to travel all this way, then suddenly give up. Well, it happens all the time, no big deal that's just the way people- including myself are.
Jack glanced towards his house. "It's getting late,"
I nodded, holding back my smart remark. Even if we aren't going to be friends, or whatever, no need to get pissy with the guy that just practically saved your life.
"I guess I'll be on my way," I said suddenly, and turned around, preparing to dash off.
He himself, turned around, and headed towards his house. Right before opening the door, and walking in, he called over his shoulder, "It's safest, and most comfortable by the Goddess Pond…"
I took what he said in a big jumble, and hung a left after I exited the ranch. I found myself near the other, larger ranch, the path that led to the beach being right there.
I began to walk down it, and when I did reach the end, and place one booted foot on the edge of the grainy sand, a hawk dove down at me.
I slapped my forehead. "Shit!" I cursed outloud. "Sorry, Cain," I apologized to the beast, as it lighted on my shoulder. "I suppose it wouldn't have been good if you were there when I met that farmer dude anyway," I mused to myself. Cain fluttered his wings in response.
For awhile longer, I wandered around. I had forgotten Jack's advice, but wen I did remember it, I made a beeline for Moon Mountain. I had heard of the Pond in other villages.
When I finally did manage to find it, I realized just how tired I was. I plopped down on the grass, and without any further ado, promptly fell asleep.